JEWELRY

[Telegraph] “Neither a single pearl earing, nor a glimmer of gilt jewelry was allowed to tarnish this spring/summer array of clothes as pure as driven snow”. Karl Lagerfeld’s decleration of the death of bling has really impacted the runway shows this year. [Telegraph]

While Barbie Dolls and play kitchens don’t rank particularly high on my list of needs these days, there’s nothing like writing to Santa (even if he tends to take the shape of an abused American Express card) to bring back the warmth of childhood holidays.  After all, what are visions of sugar plum fairies for while a gal keeps her manicured fingers crossed beneath the mistletoe? 

Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Canvas Speedy bag $750

Despite the inevitable knockoff that exists somewhere on Canal Street, the LV Speedy is a classic bag that, much like its name implies, carries well with you wherever you go.  What can one place in a spacious 14″ by 9″ bag, you ask?  First class tickets to Fiji, a liter of Evian, and a prenuptial agreement for husband #1. 

Jacob & Company rose gold 5-Time Zone watch $10,000

Typically adorned by members of the hip hop community, the 5-Time Zone Watch doesn’t mess around, and neither do its 5 carats of diamonds that encrust the bezel.  Pair this timepiece with jeans and a casual white oxford while zipping downtown for a latte or with your warmest fur on the way to the Grammys.  (Music mogul boyfriend optional.)

David Yurman Pave Quarterfoil ring $5,900 

Because what’s two more carats (on your right hand, of course) as you wave goodbye to 2008 and kiss 2009 on both cheeks?

Santa, however, had other things in mind, placing me on the naughty list with a stern reminder that while a bit of bling can be wonderful, a thoughtful bargain is worth more than an exorbitant price tag.  I may not have Louis to accompany me to a New Year’s Eve party, but a circle of close friends and a toast to rationality suits me just fine.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

We would all love our closet to be filled with high end designer pieces made of the finest fabrics, in every color of the rainbow.  Although this would be just a dream for most of us, the bad economy and a smart move from a couple of discount stores such as Target, Kohl’s and K-mart and European import H&M,  made possible for all of us to have access to quality fashion at bargain prices.

Target is “the” department store to go to for purchasing these “designer collaborations” which are available through their GO International label. 

Coming up this month in Target’s already long line of designer collaborations is Thakoon.  Thakoon’s line for GO International will consists of the same timelessly feminine offerings which we are used to, which showcase the designer’s innovative construction techniques alongside subtle detailing. The line will be available on December 28th.

Target has designer collections for every department of their store. Sigerson Morrison has recently teamed up with Target and created a Shoe Fall 08 Collection.  The shoes come in colors that tie into the Fall 08 trends; gemstone colors. The collection consists of flats, heels and even booties which are all priced from $29.99 to $39.99 which is a steal compared to the $400 average price tag their high-end collection offers. 

Walk around in a designer outfit and not have a great bag to go with it? Target thought of that too and partnered with Anya Hindmarch to create an affordable line of handbags priced between $19.99 and $49.99. With a palette rich in chocolate, gold and black hues, the Anya Hindmarch collection is another great find.  

Also, coming up soon is the Hayden-Hartnett line which will debut on December 28th. The Hayden Hartnett collection has great neutral toned bags and comes in a variety of styles that could easily be incorporated into the trends of Spring 09. Although these bags are not leather (we can’t be greedy; you won’t get high end designer and high end material at the same low price), they definitely look better than anything you can pick up in that price range.  

To top it off you can pick up some nature themed jewelry pieces from Dean Harris’ line for Target. With flora, vine, leaf and pebble themes, Harris’ line gives you great designer accessories at sample sale prices.

Designer couture doesn’t only have to be for the rich and famous. Target’s designer collaborations makes designers public friendly and puts their brand in good standing with the average Janes of the world. Past collaborations with Target consisted of designers like; Proenza Schouler, Jonathan Saunders (which is currently up to 75% off) Monika Botkier and Erin Fetherston. Alexander McQueen will debut his Target line for GO International in Spring of 09. Other discounts stores have followed in Target’s successful footsteps and designers like Vera Wang who has created a line for Kohl’s, Norma Kamali has created one with Kmart and there is the Euro import H&M who has hosted designs by Madonna & Roberto Cavalli and will be hosting the uber anticipated line from Commes Des Garcons.

There was a time when I considered a brooch to be an entirely useless piece of jewelry despite however pretty it was. I couldn’t see myself as a girl who wore brooches – after all, wasn’t that from, and for, an older generation? This naive thinking doesn’t work well when you have to consider that great fashion ideas come from previous generations. Reality check 101: Stella McCartney didn’t INVENT ribbed knitting – although she makes wonderful use of it for us gals today. My Grandmother wore brooches in the 1920’s, but they were first used back in The Bronze Age. So, allow me to make a terribly cheesy pun and brooch the subject of brooches.

Why a brooch? Perhaps the best aspect of a brooch is that there isn’t one standard way to wear them (much like a scarf – don’t you feel a bit like a creative genius as you decide a new way to fashion one?). A brooch can be worn on a sweater one day, then on a hat or a belt. You can play it safe and classic, being very traditional with them. Or do something funky by buying two of the same and affixing them to a pair of shoes. In fact, I believe Christian Louboutin did that for his wife.

Something I’ve done is use brooches as pendants for necklaces. However you decide to wear them, do wear them! Brooke Shields wore a Bagdley Mischka dress for the 2008 Emmy Awards and she affixed a brooch to it, drawing attention to her flattering waistline.

The variety of selection for brooches is near the number of photos there are on line of Brooke Shields, seriously. Whether you are a gemstone kinda gal, or someone who prefers simple gold – there’s a brooch out there that will seem made just for you.  And if one day you become a famous celebutante you can have that actually done. They’ll be called ‘The (your name here) brooch’ and everyone will covet them the way the infamous Hermes Kelly bag (see: Grace Kelly) is desired.

Brooch suggestions:

Onyx Starburst Brooch – Nordstrom

Alexis Bittar Amaryllis Brooch (red or warm gray) – Saks Fifth Avenue

Rhinestone Bow Brooch – Bebe